News, nature, and community throughout the Emerald Triangle

In Memory of Donald Thorp: 1961-1985

This section includes both obituaries and memories. Honoring our loved ones who have died does not end immediately after their passing. We recognize that… so we’re extending our obituary section to include individuals who may have left a long time ago. If you want to remember someone who is gone, either recently or longer ago, please send a photo and a few sentences to mskymkemp@gmail.com. Tell us why you would like to honor the person–is it their birthday, the date of their passing or some other date of significance to you.

Donald Thorp,

Date of birth: April 18th, 1961

Date of death: June 21st, 1985

Born & raised in Garberville, Don Thorp attended all school grades in Southern Humboldt and graduated from South Fork High School in 1979.

An avid abalone diver, Don Thorp found the World’s Largest Abalone in 1983 and held the title for 10 years. He also was a contestant in rodeos as a team roper—winning many. He was All-Around Cowboy two years in a row in the Jr. Rodeo in Willits, CA. He loved hunting and was just an all-around guy loved by many.

Killed in a logging operation in 1985, Don is desperately missed by his family and all that knew him.

My name is Mark Olsen and I grew up with Donnie my condolences to Donnie s parents, and to his sister kim. Donnie always had a smile on his face ,and he was such a good guy .we were in the same class in school .His mom genie, loved him, so such a loss ,and I know we’re ever Donnie is . I know he is blessing all with his smile .